____Schwingis
Southampton

Meon Valley and Winchester

Crossing Meon Valley east of Southampton and
than all the way around Winchester. The first half keeps mainly
on roads, whereas the second is mostly off road.

This trip starts from Swaythling station (44/16) in Southampton.
The first bit leads on the A27 and than on Allington Lane eastwards
out of the city. After Horton (49/17) over a net of small roads
Swanmore (58/16) can be reached from where Cott Street crosses the
River Meon (60.5/15). Keep going on small roads eastwards till finally
at Pithill Farm (66/14) Harrowgate Lane becomes the first off road
track of this trip. The next waypoint is Mercury Park (68/19) on
top of Salt Hill (see picture) that is best reached over a combination
of on and off road tracks. After enjoying the view back to Southampton
take the Meon Valley Cycling Path to Dryton (67/23.5). From there
small streets lead to Privett (67.5/27) and further north to Four
Marks (67/35). A series of Bridle ways leads to Upper Wield (63/39)
from where the Three Castle Path and Wayfarer's walk brings you
to Totford (57/38). Stay westwads on roads till crossing the A33
and than on bridle ways till Crawley (43/35). Leave the village
on a street to the west, put turn soon south on a bridle way that
gets you on top of Farley Mount (42/29). Follow an other off road
track south west to Barry Down (20/27.5) and than keep going south
on a the road to Lower Slackstead where turning to the left gets
you on Clypit Road to Ampfield (40/23). The A3090 and Hook Road
lead to Chandler's Ford (42/23) that can be surrounded on Knightwood
road. After Chandler's Ford, use the cycle path beside Castle Lane
to the west and than the bridle way up to Chillworth (41/19). From
there only a short distance is left to get back to Southampton.